Nyetimber’s announcement that it will not be harvesting this year, combined with forecasts of grape yields being 30% and more down, have resulted in very gloomy expectations. However, English Wine Producers reports that other leading English wine producers are now harvesting, and the 2012 vintage is well underway. Harvesting of the traditional varieties for sparkling wine production (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) across the south of England has just started, following the early ripening varieties that were picked earlier in the month.
The projected volume from this year will indeed be measurably lower, though the quality of the fruit reported from commercial growers is very good.
Difficult growing conditions have plagued the 2012 harvests across Europe, with reports of a significant drop in yield from Champagne to Bordeaux, even Spain and Italy. In the UK, the cool and wet weather over flowering in June and July both reduced and delayed the fruit set leading to smaller crops and delayed ripening.
Close attention to the vineyards this year has been paramount, and appropriate measures have been taken to ensure healthy fruit development. Julia Trustram Eve of English Wine Producers comments that:
“Vineyards are reporting that the fruit they have is looking clean and the sugars are reaching respectable – in some cases very good – levels. This year the vinegrower needs patience and the grapes need extra care.”
Whilst there will be less still wine available on the market next year, availability of sparkling wines will remain buoyant, as stocks from earlier, larger vintages have yet to come on stream, and commercial producers will remain in a position to sustain supply, augmented by new producers launching their wines on the market next year and beyond.
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